Naked Kiwi surfer makes waves on Australian beach

A quirky Kiwi woman has made waves in Australia by taking to the surf wearing nothing more than a smile.

Naked surfer Marama Kake says her brave style started on New Zealand beaches.

She has described her choice of bathing outfit as her "sustainability suit'' and says she wants to spread a message of sustainable surfing.

Ms Kake made onlookers blush this week when she was spotted surfing naked at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

"I'm not out there to get everyone to look at me, I just love the sensation and simplicity of surfing in my 'sustainability suit','' Ms Kake told the Courier Mail.

"I cover up or paddle away if I am anywhere near children and have never had any trouble with lifeguards or authorities, and I've been doing it for years in Australia and New Zealand.''

Long-time surfer Ian Borland said he almost fell off his board when Ms Kake paddled past him.

"I've been surfing for almost 50 years and I have never seen anything like it. There must have been 100 guys out there and out she paddled bold as brass,'' he told The Sun newspaper.

"The reaction was shock at first and then everyone thought it was quite funny. We were all intrigued.''

Despite the favourable reaction, local police told APNZ naked surfing was an offence.

Sergeant Dean Holmes said police would investigate if a complaint was made and offenders faced charges of wilful exposure.

Ms Kake said onlookers were welcoming and women had even complimented her courage.

"It changes the mood very quickly and cuts through the aggression that is finding its way to busy pointbreaks. It's a sure-fire cure for wave rage,'' she said.

Sustainability is a message Ms Kake takes seriously and she has the slogan "get naked, get sustainable'' inscribed on her boards.

She told the Courier Mail she was travelling to gain support for a new environmentally conscious network called Project 13.

"We want to set up a global network of volunteers - a vessel to give back. Part of the project will be designing sustainable clothing, including surfwear and wetsuits,'' Ms Kake said.

She rides "green boards'', including a timber alaia designed for her by master craftsman Tom Wegener and another from the eco-friendly D'Arcy factory on the Gold Coast.

- By Kieran Campbell of APNZ

Add a Comment